Begin—End, 12of12

~ True and Complete Intimacy With God ~

There are a number of fascinating parallels between the first three chapters of the Bible (Genesis 1-3) and the last three chapters of the Bible (Revelation 20-22).  In between we find 1,183 chapters which record mankind’s struggles as well as instructions for the struggle.  In this series each post looks at one of the parallels—it is not an exhaustive coverage of all the parallels. 

The Beginning  ~  “God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’  So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’  And God said, ‘See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.  Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food’; and it was so.  Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.  So the evening and the morning were the sixth day” (Genesis 1:26-31). 

The Middle  ~  In our sinful environment (since Adam and Eve sinned) we can choose to have fellowship with God and His people.  “You also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.  And these things we write to you that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:3b-4).  An important fact to keep in mind is that while God never plays favorites we can choose to be intimate with Him (with broken periods of intimacy because of our sin).  

The End  ~  “And I [John] heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people.  God Himself will be with them and be their God.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’  Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’  And He said to me. ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful’” (Revelation 21:3-5).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Christ – Known?

~ Quick Checkup:  How Well Do You Know Christ? ~

The Scripture  ~  “Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip?  He who has seen me has seen the Father.  How do you say, ‘Show us the Father?’” (John 14:9).

The Situation  ~  Jesus is speaking to one of His own disciples, Philip, who had been with him for about three years.  Philip had witnessed His power and His miracles.  Think about that!  Is it possible to be physically with the Master for that long and not know the person?  Jesus certainly implies that Philip does not know Him. 

The Staleness  ~  What does knowing Christ our Savior mean?  It is obvious from this passage that it is more than being an acquaintance, more than being with Him, and certainly more than a casual relationship or friendship. 

I don’t think Philip lacked knowledge.  He certainly knew that facts regarding His birth, His early life, His teaching, and His call to follow Him.  What Philip apparently lacked was intimacy with His Savior.  How about you? 

Jesus Christ never shows partiality or favoritism to His followers (Job 34:19; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25).  But Jesus does allow His followers to become intimate with Him (Job 29:4 niv) but it must be by choice of His individual disciples—He will not force intimacy upon anyone.

The Steps to Intimacy  ~  First and foremost get into the Word of God regularly.  If you do this with a sincere heart on a regular and frequent basis it will revitalize your prayer life.  This will in turn cause confession and repentance for known sin in our life.  A correct on-going prayer life will produce intimacy with your Savior. 

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Quote: Intimacy

~ Do You Have Intimacy With Jesus Christ? ~

You can learn from breakfast!  

The following is an excerpt from a book.

Intimacy and Lordship do not result from a casual involvement. They require commitment. People sometimes confuse the ideas of involvement with commitment.

There is an old story about a preacher who was once asked about the difference between involvement and commitment. He thought for a minute and then asked the questioner what he had eaten for breakfast. “Why, bacon and eggs,” came the reply. “That’s the difference!” the preacher replied. Noticing the confused look on the man’s face the preacher continued, “The chicken was involved with your breakfast, but the pig was committed!” 

Paul tells us, “…do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). The original word translated “good” relates to that which is morally good in relation to God. The word “acceptable” carries the connotation of an on-going lifestyle that is pleasing to God. “Perfect” involves a mature attitude—taking the grown-up action in life’s decision points. The opposite is to think and act immaturely, like a small child.

In essence Paul is telling you that as your mind is in the process of being renewed by Scripture, you are being equipped to figure out for yourself what the will of God is for you in the various life situations which you face. That is a great Biblical concept!

~ from “THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH: Understanding God’s Will for You” by Robert Lloyd Russell, pg 96 (ISBN: 9781606474303)

Learn more about this important book at Amazon, the Publisher, or the Author’s website. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW